Keep reading for a preview from Soon’s Painting Vibrant Flowers in Watercolor, in which she gives you a tip on how to get just the right green and a demonstration on painting leaves. ~Cherie

Same Name, Different Company, Different Colors

It can be confusing, but a color from one company will be different from a color with the same name from a different company. This difference may be subtle or dramatic, so be careful. For example, Hooker’s green from different companies appear as different shades and saturations. As you gain experience in watercolor painting, you’ll develop a preference for colors manufactured by certain companies.

Almost all the flowers you’ll paint have leaves. Take time to notice their interesting colors. You’ll learn never to use any kind of green directly out of the tube. Without mixing, green pigment seems too neon or raw compared to the green shades found in nature.

To see this, paint a sample of pure green pigment and compare it to the trees and plants outside. You will discover that the green shades of nature blend in any number of colors, including red, brown, blue and yellow. The season you wish to portray also affects the shade of green. In spring, it may be a little yellowish; in summer, a dark and deep green; in fall, red and orange come into play; and in the winter, you see blue tones.

Play with the greens on your palette to find what mixture you like the best.